14 Regency Hairstyles Ideas You Need to Try Right Now

14 Regency Hairstyles Ideas You Need to Try Right Now

There’s something about Regency-era hair that just keeps pulling people back in. Maybe it’s Bridgerton, maybe it’s the whole cottagecore-meets-ballroom aesthetic that won’t quit, but soft curls, ribbon details, and romantic updos are having a real moment right now.

The good news is you don’t need a lady’s maid or three hours to get this look. A lot of these styles translate surprisingly well into everyday hair routines, weddings, prom season, or just a random Tuesday when you want to feel like main character energy. Here are fourteen Regency-inspired hairstyles worth trying, from low-key easy to full-on statement pieces.

Loose Curled Updo with Face-Framing Tendrils

This is probably the most iconic Regency look out there, and for good reason. Hair is swept up into a soft, slightly messy updo while a few curled pieces are left loose around the face.

It works beautifully on medium to long hair, especially if you’ve got some natural wave to build on. Fine hair benefits from a texturizing spray first so the updo has something to grip onto.

People love it because it looks intentional without being stiff or overly polished. To style it, curl the face-framing pieces with a small barrel iron, pin the rest up loosely, and pull a few strands out for softness. Maintenance is low once it’s pinned, though you’ll want a strong-hold hairspray to keep those tendrils from going flat by hour three.

Braided Crown with Soft Curls

A braided crown gives you that milkmaid-meets-duchess vibe, and it’s honestly one of the more practical options on this list since it keeps hair off your neck.

This suits nearly any face shape, but it looks especially good on round or heart-shaped faces since the height at the crown adds length. Thick or medium hair holds the braid shape best.

The appeal here is that it feels both historical and wearable for real life. Braid two sections from your temples back and pin them across the crown, then curl the remaining length for volume underneath. It’s low maintenance day-to-day, though second-day hair actually braids easier than freshly washed strands.

High Curled Ponytail with Ribbon Wrap

Think less “gym ponytail” and more “portrait painting come to life.” This style takes a classic high pony and dresses it up with a curled tail and a ribbon wrapped around the base.

It works great on long hair and is a nice option for straight or wavy textures since the curls do the heavy lifting visually. Fine hair can use a bit of dry shampoo at the root for lift before pulling it up.

The ribbon detail is what makes this one feel period-accurate, and it’s a fun way to bring in seasonal colors too. Curl the ponytail in sections after securing it, then wrap a satin ribbon around the elastic to hide it. Upkeep is minimal, though you’ll want to re-curl any pieces that drop out by evening.

Low Chignon with Curled Wisps

A low chignon sits right at the nape of the neck and reads as quietly elegant rather than fussy. It’s a favorite for anyone who wants Regency vibes without going full costume.

This suits longer hair best, particularly straight or slightly wavy textures that twist neatly. It’s also flattering on oval and oblong face shapes since the low placement doesn’t add extra height.

People gravitate toward this one because it photographs beautifully from every angle. Twist hair into a low bun, secure with pins, then pull a couple of pieces loose near the ears and curl them for softness. It holds up well through a full evening, making it a solid pick for weddings or formal events.

Half-Up Curled Style with Bow Detail

This one takes the half-up trend and gives it a period-drama makeover with an added bow or ribbon at the crown. It’s simple, sweet, and honestly pretty easy to recreate at home.

Medium to long hair works best here, and it’s especially nice for wavy or naturally textured hair since you’re not fighting to create curl from scratch. Younger clients and prom-goers tend to love this style.

The half-up shape keeps hair out of your face while still showing off length, which is a big part of the appeal. Curl the top section, pull it back and secure with a bow or ribbon-wrapped elastic, then let the rest of your hair fall in soft waves. It requires very little upkeep once it’s set.

Soft Finger Waves with Pinned Sides

Finger waves bring a slightly different flavor to the Regency lineup, leaning more into the structured, sculpted side of vintage hair. It’s a striking choice for anyone wanting something a little more editorial.

Short to medium hair works well for this, particularly straighter textures that hold a defined wave pattern. It’s a great option for older hair too, since the structured shape can be really flattering.

This look tends to stand out at events because it’s less commonly seen than loose curls. Set the waves using clips and a strong-hold gel, then pin the sides back once they’ve dried completely. It’s higher maintenance to create but holds its shape well once it’s set.

Curled Updo with Pearl Pins

Take a basic curled updo and scatter a few pearl hairpins through it, and suddenly it feels like it belongs in a period drama ballroom scene. It’s a small detail that makes a big visual difference.

This works on medium to thick hair that can hold pins securely, and it’s a nice option for brides or bridesmaids looking for something with a bit of texture and shine.

The pearls add dimension without requiring extra styling skill, which is part of why people keep coming back to this idea. Curl and pin the hair as you normally would for an updo, then tuck pearl pins throughout at slightly random angles for a natural scattered look. Maintenance is easy since the pins double as extra hold.

Loose Regency Waves with Middle Part

Sometimes the simplest option is the best one. Loose, soft waves parted down the middle give off that effortless Jane Austen heroine energy without any updo work at all.

This suits long or medium hair and looks great on wavy or curly natural textures that already have movement to work with. It’s flattering on most face shapes, though it especially softens angular features.

People love this style because it takes minimal effort for maximum romance. Use a curling wand on large sections for loose, undone-looking waves, then run your fingers through once they’ve cooled to break up the curl pattern. It’s genuinely low maintenance and touch-up friendly throughout the day.

Braided Updo with Curled Crown

This combines braiding with volume at the crown for a look that feels a little more elaborate than a basic updo, without tipping into overly complicated territory.

Thick or medium hair handles this best since there’s more to work with for both the braid and the curled sections. It’s a strong pick for formal events, especially for oval or square face shapes.

The mix of textures, sleek braid against soft curls, is what makes this one visually interesting. Braid a section from one side to the other across the back of the head, then curl and pin the remaining hair around it for volume. It holds well through a full day or night out.

Curly Updo with Loose Face Pieces and Flowers

Add a few small flowers to a curled updo and you’ve got something that feels straight out of a garden wedding scene, Regency-style. This is a favorite among brides going for a romantic, botanical theme.

Long to medium hair works best, and it’s particularly nice for wavy or curly natural textures since the flowers blend right into existing texture.

The florals give this style a soft, feminine finish that photographs really well outdoors. Style the updo as usual, leave a couple of curled face-framing pieces loose, then tuck small flowers or greenery into the pinned sections. It needs minimal touch-ups but flowers may need refreshing if worn for many hours.

Sleek Low Ponytail with Curled Ends

Not every Regency look needs to be elaborate. This one keeps the top sleek and pulled back while letting the ends do all the romantic work through soft curls.

Straight or fine hair actually shines here since sleekness at the crown is easier to achieve with less texture. It’s a good option for anyone who wants the vibe without spending forever styling.

The contrast between sleek and curly is what gives this its personality. Smooth the top section with a brush and light gel, secure into a low ponytail, then curl just the length below the elastic. It’s quick to do and holds up well for everyday wear.

Curled Updo with Ribbon Lacing

This one takes the ribbon detail further by lacing it through the updo itself, almost like a corset pattern woven into the hair. It’s a bit more advanced but makes a real statement.

Long, thick hair works best for this since there needs to be enough volume to weave the ribbon through without it slipping. It’s a great choice for costume events or themed weddings.

People are drawn to this because it feels genuinely unique compared to typical updos. Create a base curled updo, then use a thin ribbon to lace in a crisscross pattern from the nape upward, securing with small pins. It takes practice but holds beautifully once set.

Soft Curls with a Single Braided Accent

This style keeps most of the hair down and curled, with just one small braid woven in near the temple as a subtle nod to the era. It’s an easy entry point if you’re new to Regency styling.

Medium to long hair in any texture works well here, and it’s especially forgiving for second or third-day hair since the braid hides some texture irregularity.

The single braid adds just enough detail without overwhelming the overall look. Curl your hair as usual, then create a small three-strand braid starting near your part and pin it back behind your ear. It’s genuinely low effort for how put-together it looks.

Curled Half-Up with Twisted Sides

Rounding out the list, this style combines twisted sections from each side with curled length left down, giving a layered, dimensional finish that reads as elegant but approachable.

It works on medium to long hair and suits wavy or curly textures particularly well since the twists blend naturally into existing movement. Round and heart-shaped faces tend to look great with the added height at the crown.

This one gets picked a lot for everyday special occasions, think dinner dates or family photos, because it strikes a nice middle ground between casual and dressed-up. Twist small sections from each side back toward the crown and pin together, then curl the rest of your hair loosely. It holds shape nicely and touches up easily with a curling iron if needed later in the day.

Whichever of these you land on, the beauty of Regency hairstyles is how adaptable they are. You can go full ballroom with pearls and ribbon lacing, or keep it simple with loose waves and a middle part. Either way, there’s a version on this list that’ll fit whatever occasion you’ve got coming up.